Online EKG Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

Online EKG training programs are extremely rare; however, students who are seeking online education options in this field can find both EKG diploma programs and medical assisting certificate programs with an EKG concentration. Both types of programs typically require clinical training in addition to online courses.

How to Decide Upon an Online EKG School

Clinical Study and Experience

The electrocardiogram (EKG) machine tracks electrical impulses in the heart. EKG technicians must learn how to use this equipment and work with patients, as well as understand how to read and interpret the test results. Due to the hands-on nature of the procedure, students who choose to take online programs may want to consider programs that require hands-on training. Some colleges require students to contact a healthcare provider near their location and arrange for a period of clinical trials. Other colleges use a hybrid program format, in which most classes are taken online and clinical classes are completed on campus.

Accreditation and Certification

Prospective EKG technicians may wish to check that the schools under consideration are properly accredited. Graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or a similar accrediting authority program is required in order to seek certification as National Certified ECG Technicians or Nationally Registered Certified EKG Technicians, two of the most noted certifications for EKG professionals. Programs that do not require a clinical period are often not accredited.

Online EKG Program Options

Online Electrocardiograph Technician Diploma

An electrocardiograph technician diploma program is available online by select institutions. It consists of courses in allied health and medical ethics, basic cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, cardiovascular drugs and diagnostic procedures. These programs are also accompanied by clinical requirements, which may be handled through a student's local healthcare center and administered by licensed healthcare professionals. Education methods for such programs may include text or video-recorded lectures, forum discussion, live audio or text discussions, interactive activities, e-mail assignments and online examinations.

Online Medical Assisting Certificate with an EKG concentration

Medical assisting certificate programs with an EKG concentration are also available as hybrid programs that involve some online classes and some in-person clinical activities. These programs typically cover a variety of subjects, going beyond EKG training to the administration of intravenous therapies or other similar subjects. Classes in areas such as medical professionalism, pharmacology and medical diagnostics are common for such programs. The online education portions of such a program are normally handled via education software that combines forum and e-mail communication with real-time testing and assignment capabilities.